Social media users were both intrigued and baffled by the unusual act of service performed by a group women at Lubbock Police Department. In a TikTok clip, user @a_jarrott highlights the unique initiative. It serves an important purpose, which is to train police recruits on how to recognize and manage alcohol-related impairment.
In the viral video that has already been viewed by over 20,000,000 people, women wearing high-visibility vests are seen participating in field tests, interacting with police officers and, yes, drinking carefully measured vodka. Lubbock Police Department has confirmed these alcohol workshops are a key component of the three-day class designed to train recruits on how to administer SFSTs. They also teach them to identify signs and effects of alcohol.
A spokesperson for the LPD explained: “During these workshops volunteers drink alcohol in controlled conditions. This allows recruits to practise administering field sobriety testing.” Alcohol amounts are determined by body weight, and a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), which is 0.12-0.14, should be the target. The recruits will test the volunteers’ level of intoxication. They then tell their actual BAC. The recruits can observe first-hand the effects alcohol has on their mental and physical faculties.
This video shows the volunteers undergoing SFSTs such as the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test. Although the training is serious, there are many lighthearted moments, such as dancing and laughing. After completing the program, volunteers are awarded certificates by the Lubbock Police Academy.
LPD stresses the importance of following strict protocol to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of volunteers. Participants must be at least 21 years old, sign waivers and have an officer provide transportation from and to the workshop. Volunteers can leave the workshop anytime, as long as they are not intoxicated. Blood pressure, pulse and BAC levels will be monitored regularly.
The Lubbock Police Department is using this training technique for the past 18 years. However, there are no reports of its use by other law enforcement agencies. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, crash risks increase dramatically when a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds.08 grams per deciliter. This is the limit set by most US States (Utah has a limit of.05). It is therefore crucial that law enforcement accurately identify and address alcohol impairment. Lubbock Police Department is renowned for their innovative training methods that provide a practical and unique learning environment. This allows recruits to be prepared to deal with real situations where intoxicated persons are present.